hyperbole
/haɪˈpɝːbəli/
Group 7Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (noun)
- Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally GRE
Example in Context
The candidate's promise to eliminate the national debt within a single term was dismissed by economists as pure hyperbole.
Synonyms
exaggerationoverstatementstretch
Etymology
An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.
- hyper (Greek) — over
- bole (Greek) — throw
Memory Aid
🏆Sounds like “hyper bowl”
When I said I won a HYPER BOWL, I meant I threw the biggest and most ridiculous party ever!
Visual Association
🎉A massive celebration with balloons and confetti, where everyone is dressed in outrageous costumes.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “hyperbole” mean on the GRE?
hyperbole (noun) means “Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally”. The candidate's promise to eliminate the national debt within a single term was dismissed by economists as pure hyperbole.
How to remember “hyperbole” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “hyperbole” sounds like “hyper bowl”. When I said I won a HYPER BOWL, I meant I threw the biggest and most ridiculous party ever!
What are synonyms for “hyperbole”?
Common synonyms: exaggeration, overstatement, stretch.